Dry Eyes Be Gone - Contact Lens Tips for Computer Users

Are you wearing contact lenses right now? Maybe not if you've been looking at the computer screen for a long time. Lengthy computer use causes discomfort when wearing contact lenses because we blink less frequently than we should (three times less in fact), causing the surface of the contact lens to dry out. Dry eyes while wearing contacts can also cause blurred vision.

Today’s soft contact lenses contain up to 70% water, which means a comfortable fit as long as the lens stays moist. But what happens during the day is the water evaporates and the lens absorbs the tears from the eyes to stay wet. The result is dry eyes. In fact, the more water the lens contains, the more moisture it's likely to lose.

If you spend hours in front of a computer, this is a serious problem. Believe it or not, the newest hydrogel contact lenses, such as Acuvue Oasys or CibaVision Air Optix, contain significantly less water in the lens, about 30%, and uses new polymer lens materials to keep the lens moist.

If you have a serious dry eye problem, especially in front of a computer, your eye doctor may recommend Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contacts. Unlike soft contact lenses, RGP lenses do not contain water which means they do not dry out. They also allow oxygen to pass through the lens to your eyes, reducing redness and discomfort.

Here are some tips to make contact lenses more comfortable while using computers for periods of time

Use re-wetting drops – For fast relief of dry eyes.

Re-soak Lenses in contact lens solution – After working for a few hours on your computer, remove your contact lenses, soak them for a few minutes in solution and put them back. Do not re-wet or soak lenses in water or saliva.

Clean lenses properly – Remove protein deposits and lipid buildup on your lenses by cleaning them regularly in a good contact lens solution.

Replace lenses on schedule – All lenses have a wear and replacement schedule. Follow that schedule correctly and replace new lenses as often as prescribed.

Increase blinking – In front of a computer, you should be blinking every 4 to 5 seconds to keep your lenses wet. Blinking often increases your eye comfort level so make a conscious effort to blink frequently.

Try a different contact lens brand – Consult with your eye doctor about trying different brands of contact lenses to relieve dry eye symptoms. Consider the newest range of more oxygen permeable silicone hydrogel lenses, such as Acuvue Oasys.

Browse all the latest brands and colors at CoastalContacts.com.

Please note: contact lenses, even if worn for cosmetic reasons, are medical devices that should be worn under the prescription, direction, and supervision of an eye care professional.

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